Cape Agulhas Presents Its Best Face For Kokstad Junior School

2017-09-04 | puppy1952

Today it was our privilege to meet up with our grandson Simon when his school tour stopped to visit the Southern Tip of Africa. The teacher in charge alerted our daughter to the time they would be coming through Bredasdorp, she alerted us and then we timed it just right to meet them coming through Struisbaai.

Here they come – a very excited granny takes the photo!

A close up and then they all pulled over so we could say hi to Simon

After an initial big hello to Simon our grandson, Aiden our great nephew and Robyn, daughter of our kids’ best friends, we followed them to Cape Agulhas

The Kokstad Junior Grade Six classes were two weeks into a three week tour takes them from Kokstad to Cape Town and back. En route they stop at interesting places and it forms part of their Life Skills programme. It’s epic and hats off to the teachers and helpers who take these sixty-eight lively pre-teens on such an amazing, educational tour.

The kids are exceptionally well-behaved. On this trip they’re divided into groups and have chores and responsibilities that are character building. Many have never been away from their protective parents before and so this is a huge learning curve for them.

There are developments afoot at the Southern Tip and road works meant a little wait before entering the car park.

The controlled but excited group getting ready to do the touristy thing at the southern tip

Our gorgeous Robyn Baker

Si-Si pretending not to be embarrassed by his grandparents attention

There were some other tourists at the view point but being a Monday the kids had the place virtually to themselves.

Aiden

Robyn with her group

The kids were given relative freedom to explore after the compulsory photographs had been taken.

Robin and her group at the Southern Tip of Africa

Simon waiting his turn

Simon and Aiden’s Group

Michele’s group

Simon playing a stone kicking game with his friend – BOYS!

A lot of fun was had throwing pebbles into the rock pools

Collecting rocks and exporing the rock pools was also fun

Where’s your rod Simon?

Not today, Gran – I want to see how far I can skim this stone!

That’s a good bowling arm he has there!

Robyn rock hopping with her friends

Smiling for Mom and Dad

Hand away from face please Rob – Nice one of your friend though!

Thank you, that’s better

Aiden and his gang of rock exploring friends

The kids have been to Robben Island, The Science Museum, Cape Point and other wonderful places. I asked Simon what his favourite part has been so far – first he said that he liked the movies at Somerset Mall! Then his friend, Liam, said The Science Museum and his eyes lit up and he said – Yes definitely that! One lad said he liked Robben Island but – Too much history! I think it was all too confusing for him.

The whistle blew – time to go

Liam (I think) and Simon

What a great morning – the weather cooperated, the kids were delightful and we enjoyed our interaction with them all. Bon Voyage for the next week, Kokstad Junior – Grade 6 and Teachers! Thank you for letting us join you for the morning.

The Famous Agulhas Lighthouse

Visiting the Kids in Kokstad – Getting There

2015-04-23 | puppy1952

Yes – another trip! We certainly are enjoying our adventurous retirement. We saw our rural kids in Struisbaai and Cape Town in December/January. Our last visit to them in Kokstad was a year ago so really another visit was due. We also had the excuse of our brother-in-law, Andrew’s 80th coming up in May so after less than two weeks at home after our Kgalagadi trip we departed Cape Town yet again.

Our new home is going to be Struisbaai but we haven’t had time to move there yet! Therefore we decided to stop there for two nights to see that everything was still in order at the house and to check what needed to be done there. Earl sorted out the garden, I checked the inventory and we decided that a new Convection Oven should be added to the kitchen equipment.

Of course we also checked out the birdlife in the area.

Cape bulbul

Common Waxbill

Common Fiscal

African Pipit

Female Southern Black Korhaan

A visit to the harbour is compulsory and on the Sunday the day was clear and beautiful and the stingrays were having the time of their lives

On Monday 13 April we made our way to Great Brak to visit Diane and Carey. What a piece of paradise they have found. Carey was just out of hospital after a back operation but he was up and about and keen to show us everything. On Tuesday Diane and I took a very steep walk to the river planning to get a ride back with Earl but the pet calf followed us so we had to walk her back! It was a steep climb but I certainly needed the exercise.

First bird we saw – swee waxbill

Diane’s fishpond is a source of delight to the cat

He fell in trying to get a catch then swam to the edge without suffering too much trauma

Very pretty walk

Even the calf enjoyed it

But, boy was it steep to get back

Although it was only a day and a night with Carey and Diane we had an amazing time and are so impressed with what they have done with their place. Carey custom builds campervans and has set up an amazing workshop on the plot. Diane has taken to the country life like she was born to it. Next time we will stay for longer.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Birding with the Locals

2014-12-18 | puppy1952

I love the early mornings but up at quarter to five stretches it a bit when you’re on holiday! No just kidding when it comes to birding it’s definitely the best time of the day. Earl and I met up with 10 other crazy people and had a wonderful birding excursion led by Dr Wim de Klerk. We discovered that this outing was happening on a notice of events for the month of December displayed in the mall.

Arthur and Wally kindly offered to accommodate us in the former’s vehicle and we explored the edges of bodies of water and the salt pans using the car as a hide and getting out when appropriate.

This Agulhas National Park hosts a variety of habitat types and great biodiversity as far as birds are concerned. The patches of renosterveld host large numbers of Black Harriers and we saw them flying and two perched in a tree. Agulhas Long-billed Lark is a special for this area and we managed to see him briefly too. We also saw a number of marsh harriers. One of our target birds was the African Snipe and were delighted to find that too.

The Spotted Eagle owl greeted us at our meeting place

Many Spurwinged geese flew overhead – they are plentiful in this area

Kittlitz plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Kittlitz’s plovers were wading on the edges of the water and also further away

Our Fellow Birders

We had to get quite deep into the veld

Some young black-shouldered kites were still being cared for by their parents

Some young black-shouldered kites on the nest. Their parents were about still finding food for them.

Some curlew sandpipers

Purple Swamphen

African Snipe

Pelicans on the salt pan – Kelp gulls in the foreground

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos - quite unusual to see so many

There were hundreds of Lesser flamingos – quite unusual to have them in this area

The vulnerable Denham’s bustard made an appearance

Wally is a really fun guy and I just loved his hat with its Ostrich Plume

Earl and I were really welcomed by this group of people. We will definitely get in touch again when we start spending more time in Struisbaai. Thanks to all, especially Emerentia (organiser) Arthur (driver) and Wim (leader) for including us on this wonderful outing.

We called it a day at 11 and Earl and I went to the Aviator’s Restaurant for breakfast. An ex-pilot runs it and has an old plane that he intends mounting on the roof! He also has a flying school and takes people on scenic flights. Struisbaai certainly is a unique place with something for everybody.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Swimming, Shopping and Fishing

2014-12-17 | puppy1952

A perfect fishing day dawned again. Earl, Allan and Lauren got up at a very rude hour and quietly slunk off to sea, the latter two having dosed on sea-sick medication the night before!

My rising time, though not as bad mannered as theirs, might have seemed a little extreme to some. The young ones groaned when I cheerfully encouraged them to join me on the beach for a walk and swim. “Meet me there,” I called and left them to dawdle over bowls of Otees and debate as to whether or not it was worth the effort.

Once again it was a blissful morning made better that the masses had not yet arrived. I left my camera behind and regretted it when I spotted a rock kestrel on top of a “Christmas Tree” and then an oystercatcher on the shore line. By the time I was on my return lap down the beach, Simon and Josh appeared to look after my towel and glasses while I went in for a dip. Heavenly – the sea was calm and clear with hardly a ripple. A mom and daughter started chatting to me and asked if I were local. It was their first visit and they were delighted that they’d decided to camp here this year.

Struisbaai is indeed an idyllic place for a holiday. It’s off the beaten track and still a fairly well-kept secret although it’s grown tremendously since my introduction to it in 1982.

It was about quarter past nine when the boys and I returned home with croissants from OK Grocer’s bakery for breakfast(This has got to stop before I gain a ton!) An hour later the fisherfolk pulled in. Lauren had the biggest and best fish!

Lauren’s Fish

The females of the family decided to bond before lunch and how better to do that than to go shopping! Yes in Struisbaai! A new clothing store, Beach Bliss, opened just a week ago and is superbly stocked for men, women and children.

Beach Bliss

Wanien is the owner and there is something for everybody

What do you think, Gran?

This one …..

Or this?

We got quite a few items for Shannon – Christmas presents – so she’ll have to wait to wear them! Lisa and Lauren also got one or two things and I bought a beach bag.

We were almost done when Earl phoned to find out where we were. Not to be outdone we got him some new stuff too – from another lovely shop in the mall.

Earl in his new shorts and shirt

All that shopping is thirsty work so we stopped at Cafe dul Sud for coffee/milkshakes.

Two Strawberry milkshakes, one chocolate a Cappuccino and black for me please!

The girls headed home while Earl and I went to chat to our friends Lynn and Glyn who have a gift shop, Due South, in the mall. We also popped into the nursery coffee shop to get a Christmas loaf for tea.

Friendly Girl in the nursery/coffee shop

Nursery

Coffee shop

South Bound – a wonderful place to browse

We’ve been looking for a suitable bird feeder and found one a quaint little craft shop which sells all kinds of locally made stuff.

We love it’s name and the notice outside – Not made in China – Buy from your own people.

What a surprise to arrive home to the smell of fresh fish frying in the pan. Lauren has taken on the mantle from her dad! It was delicious – the young ones had the nerve to say – Even better than yours, Grandpa! Well equally as good anyway!

What a super star – She caught it – She cooked it

The beach was our next port of call – after 3:30 to avoid the harmful UV rays. And wow – the water was divine – I usually don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes but I just didn’t want to get out this afternoon and the kids were even worse.

The sea was extra blue today

Kites were flying

It’s amazing, Gran!

Shannon got busy with my bird stickers when we got back and they are a-ma-zing. Thanks you Leah for a wonderful gift.

Difficult to photograph but this one came out quite well!

So ended another lousy day in Africa! Tomorrow Earl and I are making an early start to go bird watching with a local expert. Watch this space!

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Day 3

2014-12-13 | puppy1952

Yes – Today dawned bright and still, heralding good fishing conditions. Earl, Lauren, Jay, Josh and Simon were on the sea by 7 o’clock and were lucky enough to spot dolphins and flying fish! I could be persuaded to board a boat to see that! The fishing was not too shabby either. Grandpa got a lovely red roman and the others were happy to get a few silver fish. The bad news – they were all sea-sick except for Jay and Gramps! But they did not suffer long and were back on land by 9:30.

Red Roman

Some of the silver fish

Jay, Simon, Lauren and Josh (looking a bit green about the gills)

After the fishing excursion the wind got up but the kids went off to the beach and spent some time there. Lolz, Annie and I went down for a while but were soon blown back home.

For lunch we enjoyed Earlie’s fabulous fried fish and later in the day the kids headed back to the beach for a swim.

Master Chef of Struisbaai

Finger food

We had a little mishap with a little sugarbird today. It flew against a closed window and stunned itself. Jay picked it up with a dish towel and rubbed it a bit. It just lay in a stupor but slowly started to flick its wings and eventually flew onto some washing hanging on the line. Eventually it felt strong enough to take shelter at the top of the milkwood tree. I do hope its headache is over soon! We must put those lovely stickers I received as a gift onto those windows soon.

Concussed female sugarbird

Let me rest a while

What just happened?

A malachite sunbird in transitional plumage looks on

Struisbaai – A week with three generations – Day 1 and 2

2014-12-12 | puppy1952

Thursday 11 December 2014

Today began a new chapter of my life – RETIREMENT! Well I have had a chequered on and off career of teaching but with Earl’s retirement I know that the time has now come for me to call an end to my career too. I bade farewell to my principal and colleagues just after 9 0’clock yesterday morning no regrets as the last three and half years have been very happy and I’ve left on a high note!

It was just an hour or so later than Earl and I along with our two teenaged grandsons hit the road to our holiday house in Struisbaai.

The Kokstad Clan – Daughter Lauren and Son-in-law Allan travelled up with the kids Shan 12 and Simon 10 overnighted in Graaff Reinet and arrived an hour after us at 3:30 this afternoon.

Simon, Earl, Josh, Jay, Shannon

Proud Grandfather with his brood of grandchildren

Josh and Simon play fighting

UNO – A favourite of our youngsters

Friday 12 December 2014

This morning we were horrified to wake to rain and wind. Not a fishing day! But this did not dampen our spirits and it wasn’t long before it cleared up. A trip to the local supermarket produced freshly baked break and croissants which accompanied Grandpa’s famous Earlie Brekkie.

Bonding over an “Earlie” Breakfast

The adults went off to the Wine Boutique in Agulhas while the kids went to explore the rock pools. Earl and I also popped into Potpourri a favourite gift/coffee shop that I love to browse in. Grandpa spotted a poster that he just had to have. Most appropriate don’t you think?

Excursion to the Rock Pools

My favourite granddaughter – (I’m your only granddaughter, Granny!)

Gathering the family together is far from peaceful. It is full of noise, attention seeking, teasing, laughter, bantering, chatter and fun, fun, fun.

Our older grandsons are amazing with their younger cousins. Jay 17 and Josh 16, always relate well to them and make sure they have a good time. They include them in the board games, take them off to the beach without the adults and make sure everyone does their fair share of the chores!

Our other two daughters had to work till lunch time today so only joined us at 3:30 this afternoon. Laurie brought her friend, Annie, visiting from London along too. So we now have a household of 11!

Laurie and Annie

Lisa and Earl – Allan braaing in the background

Annie, Shannon, Laurie

Simon, Shan and Jay

Playing Clue

Good old S.A. Braai

Women’s Day Weekend in Struisbaai – Part One

2013-08-09 | puppy1952

After a rainy and cold week we find ourselves here in Struisbaai once again. A text from our rental agent warned us that there might be road closures due to the recent heavy rains and flooding. Really? We didn’t give it too much thought and set off with Tony and Sharon at about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. “I’d better just phone and check,” I said. “It would be a pity to get to Bredasdorp only to find that road closed.” Sure enough, we were warned that only twin cabs and 4X4s were able to make it through. “Huh?” No problem for us as fortunately as we drive a Fortuner! I still didn’t believe that it could be that bad but it was! There was a virtual river running across the road halfway between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai.

Will the big truck get through – Yes indeed so we should too.

Fellow travellers forging the river

It was dark and cold when we reached our house and we put on the gas heater the minute we’d unpacked! Then after a glass of wine and chat we set off to Agulhas to seek a place to have dinner. To our horror Seagulls was closed – apparently taking advantage of the quiet season to get away for their annual holiday. So we settled for Zuidste Kaap Restaurant (Most Southern Cape Restaurant) which had a fire in a huge hearth and very good food. (The fire did very little to warm the place though) Earl had Eisbein and Sharon and I had Vegetarian Pasta and Tony Rainbow Pasta. All excellent.

We slept snugly and rose this morning to a unique “Early” breakfast. Nobody else can possibly compete with whatever it is he does to make this the most delicious breakfast in the world. (Thanks my darling)

We then packed up and took ourselves off to De Hoop Nature Reserve – a very special place about an hour or so away. The results of the recent rains were evident everywhere and had attracted a variety of waterbirds not usually seen in the area.

A tranquil scene on a temporary lake

Indulging in a morning preen

Aren’t we beautiful

From Bredasdorp we take the Swellendam Road and then 6km out of Bredasdorp we take the dirt road to Malgas travelling about 40 km before turning right to De Hoop. En route, we stop of course, to observe birds and take scenic photographs.

Now we know why it is so cold – Snow on the Caledon Mountains!

A Patchwork of colour with farmhouse in background

A Grey Heron with an identity crisis – He is impersonating a swan

Capped Wheatear posing obligingly

Flood water creating a lovely scene

Mommy sheep with twins

Spurwinged Goose, Two Cape Shovellers and A Yellow-billed Duck

The proteas in the park were in full bloom

Although it was still chilly we the sun was shiny and there was good light and after the rain everything looked bright and clear. The birds and animals in the park clearly thought today was the day to make an appearance and we found them everywhere. All were enjoying the sunshine and the abundance of water.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is 34 000 ha in size and the largest natural area managed by Cape Nature. It is a good place to go if you enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching and of course whale watching.

It forms part of the world’s smallest and most threatened plant Kingdom – the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos is the dominant vegetation group. The Bredasdorp / Agulhas and Infanta area has an estimated 1500 plant species of the approximately 9 000 species found in the Cape Floristic Region. We live in a beautiful part of the world and have such interesting flora and fauna. What a privilege to have such easy access to it. Not only can we see the rare bontebok and other mammal species here but it is adjacent to the De Hoop Marine Reserve too and at Koppie Alleen there is an opportunity to see whales and other marine life too.

Cape Bulbul catching some rays

Common Fiscal

Ostriches out and about

Cape Mountain Zebra

Male and Female Eland

Bontebok

Our close cousins

Bokmakierie

We have often dined at the restaurant in the park and can highly recommend it. Sharon and I had traditional South African fare in the form of Bobotie and Tony and Earl indulged in Mussel Chowder.

The Four of Us Indulging in Good South African Food

This cheeky chap demanded crumbs but we declined to indulge him.

Cape Francolin

The trees were full of noisy birds eating berries

Cape Bulbul

Mousebird

After lunch we drove to Koppie Alleen to see if we could spot a whale or two. We were not disappointed. There were dozens of Southern Right Whales in the bay which were seen clearly with the aid of our binoculars. It was bitterly cold on the dunes so we didn’t spend too much time before we were driven back to the warmth of our vehicle.

Koppie Alleen

Whale Watching

The Bay was full of Southern Right Whales

On our way out the baboons once again amused us.

Daddy Baboon

Mommy and Baby

After a great day out we returned to our cosy cottage and Chef Earl produced a wonderful braai – chicken wings on sticks, skilpaaidjies (not real tortoises honestly – just liver wrapped in sheep fat) lamb chops, vegetables in foil and Sharon’s Coleslaw. To finish a stunning lemon meringue from Checkers’ Bakery.

The Indoor Braai

Yum!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 14 – Lighthouse and the tip of Africa

2012-12-28 | puppy1952

We treated ourselves to dinner at Barracuda’s in Fish Hoek last night – highly recommended if ever you are in our neck of the woods. We had not wished our good friend Jeff for his birthday on the 26th so we popped in and spent an hour or so visiting with him and Annaline. Lovely to catch up with old friends.

This morning we were up early. We did some chores at home then went to have breakfast at Wimpy – cheap and the coffee is good.

This Mega Coffee will keep him going all day

We had some time before our myosteopractic treatments so we picked up some provisions at Pick ‘n Pay, met friends and chatted in the aisles – amazing how many people were avoiding the crowds due later in the day! And then – bliss – we both felt amazing after our treatments and so the disaster with the Caravelle was sort of a blessing in disguise!

There was no way that the Caravelle would be ready today so we left Sun Valley at 1 p.m. the worst of the traffic being between Fish Hoek and Muizenberg and got back to Struisbaai at quarter to four. We will try not to think of how much our repairs will cost and collect the vehicle early next week.

Meanwhile the family were coping quite well without us. I wondered whether they would do the early morning beach thing – and yes they did! Lauren took the pictures to prove it. Note the long shadows!

Josh and Shan ready for a swim.

They also decided to do the touristy thing – stand at the Southern Tip of Africa and climb to the top of the southern most lighthouse.

Southernmost Grandchildren

Simon was not in the mood for photographs – For a week now he’s put up with his granny snapping away and now when Mom tried it, he decided enough already! All she managed was a back view with the lighthouse in the background.

Si playing with the pebbles at the Southern Tip of Africa

Simon was a little nervous of climbing up the steep lighthouse ladder. But he wanted to do it and with his mom’s gentle encouragement he was proud to make it to the top! But it did mean she couldn’t take the photos while assisting him.

In front of the lighthouse

Wherever one finds oneself in the world one must not assume – Nobody knows me here. Jay had this experience today. He is presently spending a few days with his girlfriend and her parents at their holiday spot near De Hoop Nature Reserve. They decided to explore the Breede River area. This afternoon I received a text from my sister who has a house at Riverine on The River. ‘What are the chances’ read the caption. She and her family landed up at The Boathouse at exactly the same time as Jay was there!

Jay and Monet at Breede River

Tomorrow we will meet up with him and Monet’s family at Arniston. The kids are looking forward to exploring the cave!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 2 Back on the Run, Agulhas and Delicious Fish

2012-12-16 | puppy1952

Before I left for Struisbaai my Personal Torturer and I parted company with a final workout for the holidays. “I won’t be seeing you for some weeks so I’ll leave you something to remember me by,” he said and proceeded to work my ass off with a an excessive work out! I promised to keep up the training as much as possible on my own – but how to do that. In the not so distant past, before I hurt my back, my exercise of choice was doing a brisk 5 to 8 km run – no travelling to a gym, no-one telling you what to do and very little brain power involved. In fact a productive way to chill out and gather your thoughts away from the dependants nagging for your attention. How many years ago now since I actually did a run? At least 4.

Waking to a perfect day today I just had that urge to get out on the beach and what better place than to resume the running ritual again. I had doubts that I would be able to do 5km but – so what – I would see how far I could get. I donned my bathing costume and short, drove to the beach so that I didn’t have to wear takkies and set off barefoot down the longest beach in Africa! The tide was going out and the beach mud was cool and firm beneath my feet, a gentle sea-breeze blew from across my face and the sea wooshed loudly in my ears. After five minutes I was right back in that old rhythm – slowly at first and then I lengthened my stride and I am sure was almost up to my former pace – and I just kept going – the muscles certainly have a memory. My intention was to try and make it to the signboard with the Big B on it – (a marker for the fishing boats to line up to, I think) which is about 2.5km down the beach and then to walk back. But I was feeling good so turned around and continued running. This kind of endurance exercise is not what I have been doing for the past several years – its been more interval and strength training – far more challenging than running I can assure you – and all the stationery cycling, skipping and jumping burpies most have kept my aerobic fitness up because I managed the run with ease. The best part was stripping off my shorts and throwing myself into the cooling waves when I got back. The water was deliciously refreshing – not at all cold! Frolicking in the southern most waves is a great reward after a beautiful run in the morning sunshine.

Yes – I am back – I will be beach running for the rest of the holidays and perhaps get back on the road when I get home.

I am supposed to be doing my kettle bell training too – but didn’t get round to that today – definitely tomorryow!

Lolz was still in bed when I got back. I did the household chores then roused her to come with me to Agulhas. We had coffee and muffins at Potpourri – browsed round the gift shop then drove back home again. Lolz lay and tanned – but I just can’t do that any more so I sat in the shade and did a Sudoku – a brutal one which I finally vanquished.

Me at Potpourri

Agulhas Lighthouse

Lolz at the entrance of Potpourri

Lolz waiting for muffins

Earl and Greg had been out at sea since some immorally early hour and had returned just before we left. They brought back a lovely catch of red fish – lunch!

He catches, cleans and cooks it.

From the sea into the frying pan

Greg and Lolz enjoying fresh fried fish

Struisbaai – Couples Weekend

2012-06-10 | puppy1952

Last weekend I spent a most enjoyable girls’ weekend at our holiday house in Struisbaai so when my hubby suggested going up again to do some necessary chores at the house again on Friday – I thought, why not. We invited our friends Tony and Sharon to join us and although it was short notice they persuaded a friendly neighbour to look after their cat and as soon as I’d finished school at 3 o’clock we were off. The weather was awful. It was cold and wet but we were in high spirits – after all it’s better to be miserable in Struisbaai than miserable in Cape Town. We cheerfully handled the traffic in Somerset West, had a clear run over Sir Lowry’s Pass and dashed through intermittent showers before arriving in Struis at 6 o’ clock. Once we were unpacked and settled we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out at Angelo’s in Agulhas. It was raining when we arrived and really cold but inside there was an inviting fire which warmed us inside and out.

The menu had a variety of delicious items and it was difficult to make up our minds – but in the end Earl, Tony and Sharon had the prawn and calamari basket. The only reason I went for a pasta dish was that I eat seafood so often at home that I felt I should have change. Our meals were superb and Tony and Sharon were amazed that such good cuisine could be obtained in a backwater like Cape Agulhas!

We beat the chill by adding an extra duvet to our beds and we all reported a good night’s rest the following morning. Earl cooked up one of his famous “Early Breakfasts” in the form of delicious omelettes filled with bacon, cheddar, blue cheese and tomato. Then once we’d had a hot cup of coffee, fed the garden birds and donned our warmest jackets Sharon and I went for a stroll around Struisbaai while the boys went to fetch some provisions from the shop. We ended up at Struisbaai ‘mall’ and browsed around my friend, Lynn’s shop – South Bound -Lifestyle Gifts. She’d just returned from the Far East and her stock was wonderful. She has everything and anything – “I look for stuff that is interesting and that I think will sell,” she told us. And she certainly does have an eye! We didn’t have our wallets with us but as we left we found the boys and told them to come and look at what we’d found. It turned out to be a good day for Lynn – Earl and I bought a bedside cupboard and Tony and Sharon left with two beautiful silver statuettes.

We then took a drive to Arniston and of course did some bird watching on the way. Sharon and Tony are not birders but enjoy the feathered friends that visit their fynbos garden on the mountainside of Fish Hoek. We promised not to bore them by stopping for every sparrow and dove. “And Sharon – I promise there is one shop in Arniston.” I said. “She has her black belt in shopping,” Tony quipped. I turned out to be a most productive drive in spite of the intermittent showers and chilly weather. We saw yellow mongoose frolicking and chasing each other, there was a dead sheep in a field that must have been taken by a jackal or a lynx and a bird of prey was being chased from it by the crows. A beautiful jackal buzzard flew from its perch in front of us and there were dozens of weavers, sparrows and canaries about. We also saw lots of blue crane amongst the grazing sheep and the elusive Denham’s bustard made an appearance when we took a detour to Die Mond for a quick walk onto the suspended bridge. On the way back to the Arniston Road we found a single Southern Black Korhaan.

Blue Crane

Mating Dance

Tony and Sharon on the Bridge – Die Mond

Denham’s Bustard

Southern Black Korhaan

The sea at Arniston was wild and fun to watch, the waves breaking as high as the cliffs. We drove around and looked at the dunes and the houses and then went for a light lunch of roast vegetable soup and whole-wheat bread at the hotel. Delicious. Of course, we had to check out the gift shop too but all Sharon bought were some pretty elastics for her hair.

It is compulsory when visiting this part of the world to do the Southern Tip of Africa – so we dutifully took our guest to Cape Agulhas before going home. Bravely they stood with smiling faces and chattering teeth as we took their photographs at the tip of the continent! We also showed them the surrounding Agulhas National Park, Suiderstrand and of course the wreck.

Sharon bravely posing at the Southern Tip of Africa

Potpourri Gift and Coffee Shop was our next port of call. The gatherer instinct was once again satisfied and a cup of coffee consumed. At five o’clock we were the last patrons to leave.

Thank Goodness for our indoor braai! Earl lit the fire and we warmed up beside it until it was ready to cook our supper – starter of spiced bacon on a skewer followed by lamb chops, rolls and salad. Then an early night in our snug little beds.

Sunday Morning dawned without precipitation. We had buns and tea/coffee for breakfast and then the guys did some maintenance chores. While they were busy Sharon and I took a long walk around Struisbaai – the harbour, the board walk and the neighbourhood. Then we went back to Southbound to chat to the other half of Lynn – her husband, Glyn as he wanted to see Earl. Sharon and I spent a few more cents then it was time to pack up and leave.

Struisbaai Harbour

We took the scenic route home, stopping at The Black Oystercatcher for lunch. It was a lovely wine estate and a pretty venue indeed. We sat outdoors in the warm sunshine and enjoyed the lovely views. We all ordered fish cakes, potato wedges and salad. Big mistake! The wedges and salad were fine – but the fish cakes were dry. However, we were hungry and we did not complain and they were edible.

The Black Oyster Catcher

We drove home through the picturesque mission station of Elim where the young men are famous for their thatching skills. Soon after this Earl asked me to drive – he had a pain in his chest – indigestion from the fish cakes we realised. We stopped at Kleinbaai to look at the harbour and the fishing and shark diving boats.

Shark Diving Boats

Kleinbaai Harbour

Kleinbaai

It was then that Earl realised he needed the loo. Then again we stopped at a One Stop outside Hermarnus and he was man down till we got home. Definitely a case of food poisoning. Sharon, Tony and I were okay – although I also had an upset tummy – but didn’t feel as ill as he did. He is sleeping peacefully as I write and I’m sure he’ll be fine in the morning.

In spite of Earl’s mishap, it was a great weekend and we all felt as though we’d been away for a week.

Struisbaai Revamped Continued

2011-12-11 | puppy1952

Sunday 11 December 2011

Last night we used the indoor braai for the first time. What a pleasure not to have to stand in the wind to cook the food. We enjoyed a chicken wing starter followed by spare ribs, sweet potatoes and salad. The latter is now Jay’s speciality!

This morning we finished off some chores that needed to be done – varnishing the woodwork, fixing this and that – or rather my guys did all that while I worked on the inventory.

We found this chap in the garden this morning too. I’ve never seen a carnivorous snail in Struisbaai before. We have other wild visitors to our garden too – francolins regularly bring their babies to see us, various birds enjoy our Milk-wood tree and tortoises seem to think they’ll get a snack of lettuce leaves and vegetable peelings if they find us in a good mood.

By 10:30 we were all done and reluctantly took our leave for home.

Here are some more pictures.

Room to Dance

Josh enjoying a cuppa on the newly enclosed stoep

This was the stoep - now part of the lounge

Indoor braai

Struisbaai Revamped

2011-12-10 | puppy1952

Josh at the new entrance

Yesterday my darling husband, our two precious grandsons and I went to our holiday house in Struisbaai. I have been dying to get there since our renovations had been completed but because of one thing and another there just hasn’t been a weekend available for me. Hubby and oldest grandson went last weekend with the new furniture and came back ecstatic about it. We’re off to Kokstad next week and I haven’t even thought about Christmas shopping – but I could not wait till next year to see my new house!

And it is just WOW! I have always love our little ‘shack’ at the Southern Point of Africa – and it is not exactly huge now – but with a few simple alterations it has given us loads more space. Next time we come for a fishing excursion with a tribe of boys it will be lux-u-ry!

When I saw it I felt as if though I was on Extreme Make-over – “OH MY GOSH” I kept saying over and over. I just did not expect it to be so super. I mean its nothing like EMO – but after our little shopping excursion to Bredasdorp this morning I feel as if I’m a in a palace.

Hubby and I left the boys with chores to complete while we went shopping – and boy – Am I impressed with Bredasdorp – We got everything on our list and more – and the people are so friendly and don’t hesitate to refer you to their competition if they don’t have what you need. We got new bedside tables, enough dinner plates, side plates and bowls for 12 place settings, a new set of pots and pans, duvet covers and pillows and various tools and equipment that E needed. I also managed to get my four grandchildren’s Christmas presents but I won’t mention what here in case they read this blog:-) We came home well pleased and then set to work to make sure everything was ship shape as we are letting it for a month over Christmas. Josh helped me wash and dry all the crockery – very dusty after the building, clean out the cupboards and make up beds while Jay helped Gramps put up a shelf for the new T.V. hang pictures and do other practical things around the house.

It was fun having our meals in the new braai room and my three guys did most of the work – sorry if you’re thinking of renting it they’re not included in the deal.